NPR’s Carrie Kahn reports on the outpouring of grief for the singer known as El Rey, the king of Ranchera.
KAHN: Surrounded by a sea of white flowers, Fernandez’s coffin was placed center stage, with his trademark wide-brimmed sombrero on top.
KAHN: Always performing in tight-fitting mariachi suits, that huge sombrero and a pistol on his hip, Fernandez’s old-school style, a mix of Mexico machismo and sappy romanticism, has lost its appeal amongst younger generations.
KAHN: I have two daughters, and I asked them – how will a boy romance you, win you over, with what song? – she asks.
KAHN: His mark is significant.
KAHN: Appearing to choke back tears, he told the crowd, it was always about your affection, your respect and your applause.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by Verb8tm, Inc., an NPR contractor, and produced using a proprietary transcription process developed with NPR.